Definition of phobia
: an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation
From the M-W Editors
Examples of phobia in a Sentence
His fear of crowds eventually developed into a phobia.
Recent Examples of phobia from the Web
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The term is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, and mental health experts debate whether or not the affliction is a true phobia, with some opting more frequently to label it an idiosyncrasy, or unusual behavior. …
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Still, Game of Thrones might take the cake for spoiler-phobia.
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Explaining my phobia encouraged people to tell me about their own worst snake experiences, which sent me into a tailspin.
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This is most obviously the case for dogs who suffer from a condition veterinarians refer to as noise phobia.
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People with past brain injuries were also about four times as likely to suffer from panic attacks, specific phobias and depression.
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All that other stuff is learned — all that phobia and hatred and fear is taught.
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Just seeing a photo of a snake is enough to trigger my phobia.
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The reasons for bolting can vary, from fears and phobias to sensory issues or communication challenges, Fournier said.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'phobia.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of phobia
-phobia
Other Psychology Terms
-phobia
Definition of -phobia
1 : exaggerated fear of acrophobia
2 : intolerance or aversion for photophobia
Origin and Etymology of -phobia
New Latin, from Late Latin, from Greek, from -phobos fearing, from phobos fear, flight, from phebesthai to flee; akin to Lithuanian bėgti to flee, Old Church Slavonic běžati
PHOBIA Defined for English Language Learners
phobia
playDefinition of phobia for English Language Learners
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: an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something
-phobia
Definition of -phobia for English Language Learners
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: an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something
PHOBIA Defined for Kids
phobia
playDefinition of phobia for Students
: an unreasonable, abnormal, and lasting fear of something
Medical Dictionary
phobia
playMedical Definition of phobia
: an exaggerated and often disabling fear usually inexplicable to the subject and having sometimes a logical but usually an illogical or symbolic object, class of objects, or situation—compare compulsion, obsession
Learn More about phobia
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See words that rhyme with phobia Spanish Central: Translation of phobia Nglish: Translation of phobia for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of phobia for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phobia
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